I don't know how much a full quart can of oil weighs when properly packed - "properly" being up to interpretation.

Box size and weight both matter. Insurance costs can matter also.

According to the USPS, UPS and FedEx websites, rates including the following parameters:

1. NO box or packing expense

2. NO Insurance or return receipt

3. Residential delivery

4. Shipper dropping off package to a company staffed location

5. Shipping from zip code 93060 (Santa Paula) to zip code 48079 (St. Clair, MI)

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Box size 10x10x10 (again NO insurance)

3 pounds - $7.93 parcel post (personally I'd never use)

- $10.55 Priority mail

- $12.14 UPS Ground

- $10.63 FedEx Ground


5 pounds - $10.50 parcel post

- $15.85 Priority mail

- $13.45 UPS Ground

- $11.74 FedEx Ground

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Box Size 14x14x10 (no insurance)

3 pounds - $26.35 Priority mail

- $12.14 UPS Ground

- $10.63 FedEx GRound


5 pounds - $26.35 Priority Mail

- $13.45 UPS

- $11.74 FedEx Ground

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Add applicable insurance costs and return receipt charges, etc to above amounts.

Probably different considerations to shipping a $300 oilcan versus a couple of $5 qts.


Most people shipping regularly, reuse available boxes, but still buy must buy 40-90% of the boxes they use for shipping, and average the box costs over all shipments.

Most regular shippers also buy peanuts, bubble wrap, strapping tape (good scotch strapping tape is $4-6 per roll), and other materials.

Most regular shippers would probably guesstimate average material costs per box shipped, at $4-5 if buying 60% of their boxes new.

- new boxes will always have better cardboard strength.

Some shippers absorb their average material cost in the price of the item being sold. Some don't.

Some shippers absorb labor costs in the pricing of the item. Some don't.

Some shippers absorb additional costs of transportation, whether vehicle, gas, milage, etc. Some don't.

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Pickup from the seller or buy in person at shows, and then shipping costs aren't applicable.

Otherwise, the buyer always has the personal choice to buy or not to buy.

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Ron Bettin
740-774-OHIO(6446)
bettin@bright.net